What is Final Passage?

Final Passage

Connecting all forms of creation evolved and inspired with the elements
that gave them food, energy and faith. It is symbolic
of the beginning to life lived and renewal.

Imagine the Tree of Life meets the River Styx standing brilliantly in the desert shimmering with 5 branches, each holding a bright l.e.d. light in a tall glass chimney, surrounded by sparkling leaves. Standing tall, this beautiful monochromatic tree will shimmer in the glowing light on each limb.

Why Phase 3?
I originally tried getting funding for this project starting in January 2011 with a campaign here on IndieGoGo but I only managed to raise a very limited amount of funds. The money remained sequestered and saved until I could get enough to really get started. In Phase 2 I did this through Kickstarter, only because that is the source supported by Burning Man who is an important ally in this project. I set the amount far below what was needed but was asking for enough money to get started. I got close to $1k which got me studio work space and some materials.

Phase 3 is the next level of progression as we start building and posting updates for people who can actually see the advancement of the project who will hopefully continue to help support. The difference between Kickstarter and IndiGoGo is that IndiGoGo immediately channels the money offered while Kickstarter is a gamble.

Activity
I rented studio space at American Steel in West Oakland and it took a large chunk of change to commit to that. I am posting financial projections and what I am spending money on at my web site page for this project. Please check it out and be assured the money is going to something truly amazing. Pictures and updates will be posted here and on the web site at the same time. Anyone from the Kickstarter campaign is encouraged to follow over here as well.

Obtaining "steel" in this city is turning out to be a challenge and it is NOT CHEAP. The investment is that if this piece is done right it could be something millions of people get to experience.

Features
The project has taken on new form with the funding and time line we are left with at this stage. It has been a bear to get this project started! But as of this week we being steaming forward with new talent and new commitment to success.

The fire portion of the sculpture is now removed and will be replaced with a bright l.e.d. system that we hope to power from a solar system.

• when the wind blows through the trunk the sound "Ommmmmm" is created

Conclusion
I can visualize this piece in a public setting where people can touch it, meditate around it, find something in it with meaning. I want to leave Burning Man 2011 with people saying "Did you see that tree? It was called Final Passage and it was cool."

The total cost to get this done right will be $5k. I will continue to work with what I get and get it as close to the full version as possible, but only through your ongoing help can I make this thing POP!

What we WILL NEED money for in the immediate future:

• Additional Resources through the life of the project
• Truck rental for picking up resources on occasion unless someone can help
• Gas and welding rods for making the project

In the LONG TERM LOOK AHEAD:

• Truck Rental for moving the piece to Burning Man ($2K but trying to reduce cost by hauling stuff for other camps with the additional space in the truck)
  
• (Wish List) Ticket(s) for Burning Man for members of the team; MY TICKET is sponsored and I have to pay the person back eventually; but most of my crew is as broke as I am and it would be a nice perk.